Umeko Okano

Japanese artist Umeko Okano, who is now based in southwestern Turkey, likens her thickly applied oil paintings to travels and journeys, an analogy that holds true in multiple regards. Each piece marks a formal journey for the artist, who may spend months even on her smaller canvases, but it also reflects the travels that have shaped her life. Likewise, the imagery of her stylized figurative compositions, many of which border on the surreal, feature solitary figures in vast landscapes and isolated silhouettes on picturesque streets. These works speak of travel in the most literal sense — many street scenes evoke old Mediterranean towns built on steep hills while others feature winding roadways or boundless landscapes on the edge of nowhere — but also in the ways in which they engage viewers.

In Umeko Okano’s compositions, which she builds up with layers of oil pigments, subtle variations in texture and a superb command of light help guide the eyes over the canvas. Surprising figures and details emerge from these blooming natural vistas and dramatic cityscapes, like pleasant discoveries on a transformative journey.

Interpretive Realms
Reception: Thursday August 2, 2012 6-8 PM
Exhibition Dates: 7/31/2012 - 8/21/2012

Invitation to Umeko Okano's exhibition

View Umeko Okano's art for sale on Art-Mine.com

Break Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250 Break Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250	Light Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250 Light Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250
Shoal Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250 Shoal Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250	Road Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250 Road Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250
Yacht Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250 Yacht Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250	Helicopter Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250 Helicopter Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250
Point Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250 Point Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250	Cliff Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250 Cliff Oil on Canvas 8" x 8" x 1.5" $250